Machu Picchu - a trail to the ancient Sun City

The weekend prompt from @galenkp that I've chosen is “Hiking and an overnight stay, Machu Picchu, Peru”.

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I went on the adventure of a lifetime instead of nestling in one cosy honeymoon location. After a scary train ride down Devil’s Nose (Nariz del Diable) in Ecuador, I felt I was ready for any adventure that presented itself. We were already 6 weeks in South America when we left Lima, Peru

Basílica y Convento de San Francisco de Lima

for the historical city of Cusco.

Plaza des Armes

Shortly after arriving, we realized that we already had labored breathing. There was nothing else to do than to enjoy Cusco, while becoming acclimated. Soon we were hale and hearty again. My husband and I could start our tour - the 4 day trek of the Incan Trail to Machu Picchu. We were transported by bus to the starting point of the trail called Piscacucho (Kilometer 82). Upon arrival, we met our guide and group of trekkers.

Meeting other trekkers at Piscacucho

We were the only ones that had never gone trekking before and I was the only one that had never gone camping. Despite that, I was ready for the adventure. Here we go…………….. The trek has begun. I was walking in the footsteps of ancient Incans!

First camping location view

My first camping experience was baptism by fire. Oops - no - actually it was freezing cold the first night. Despite sleeping in attached sleeping bags with an additional inserted layer and extra layers of clothes - I could not warm up. At some point - I did fall asleep. The next morning we saw icicles on the inside of the tent. Oh my goodness - what did I get myself into. I had to accept that this was part of the adventure.

Impressive mountain ranges were everywhere

Our rucksacks, tents and provisions were being carried by a large group of designated porters. They were acclimated and strong and we were very grateful. They literally ran up the mountain.

After the first day, we had to relinquish our small backpacks with water and snacks to the porters as well. Carry any item proved exhausting. This trek was not the longest as it is about 40 km. The challenge was traversing steep trails in the Andean Mountains - hence high altitude - going between 2,700 to over 4,000 metres on the trail within 4 days.

source

This was no walk in the park.

Mountain trails

With our backpacks gone - we were still falling behind and had very little energy. Even a makeshift walking stick, tips and pep talk from our guides and carbohydrate rich meals - did not help to boost our energy. Our minds were willing but our bodies were weak. Soon, the secret on how to become like “energizer bunnies” was shared with us. Whaaat? Yes - if we could handle the mildly bitter taste of coca leaves, we could also fly up the mountain like a porter!!! I detected no clear and present danger and the tiredness became a thing of the past. We kept going and going and going. 🤣 What a trip!!! hmmm This natural stimulant should be used with caution and was not used by a shrewd North American couple - who were lawyers. They feared testing positive for cocaine upon returning home.😀 It is not cocaine however.

The trek became easier. We walked through

changing

and diversed terrain.

We walked down carved out granite steps

to find lush green vegetation.

There were rugged,

cloud covered

and snow-capped mountains too.

The perfect incan ruins

were a sample of what would come.

On the last night we had a lot of fun. We convened below the last summit for dinner with a lively party atmosphere. All the trekkers were present and for the first time libations were aplenty. Was alcohol needed before the last leg of the trail or was it because tourists like their liquor? Maybe it was because we surpassed over 4,000 metres above sea level - we had a good reason to party. Whatever the answer - we were told that the next morning the trek would start at 3 a.m. in order to arrive at the perfect time to view our final destination. This was very exciting.

We hung out with the other adventurous souls but were not tardy. This was the icing on the cake. We did not do the trail to miss this treat. We arrived at the Sun Gate - Inti Punku - on time.

In anxious anticipation, we stepped through the gate and gazed upon Machu Picchu in total silence. It was magical.

*Machu Picchu in the mist"

There was a sort of reverence for this mystical place that I cannot describe. Despite the reveling from the previous night - we gazed on in silence. I believe we all celebrated silently - we did it! It was worth it!
I do not have a photo of what I first saw because I was in awe.

The dawn mist dissipated and shadows were casted by the mountain as the sun rose.

Soon the sun shone on the ancient city - to show it in all its glory.

It was an awesome moment. Machu Picchu was empty. This was the reward that trekkers received after 4 days of hard work. 😀 It was still daybreak and the daytrippers had not yet arrived.

The view of Machu Picchu was breathtaking from every angle.

We were welcomed by a lone llama - who stood majestically and unmoving

as we descended to the ruins.

We could now inspect it closely

and marvel at the workmanship from more than 500 years ago.

It was July 2000 - we were newlyweds - this was a part of our honeymoon trip. I wanted to unravel the mystery of Machu Picchu for myself. I had now “been there and done that”. I did not stay for 1 but 3 nights and it was one of the most amazing things I have ever done.
Life is indeed an adventure!!!

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All photos are my own. They were taken pre-smartphone days and meticulously scanned to create digital versions.